Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne may require surgery on his hamstring, which would threaten to rule him out for the remainder of 2023.
According to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad Sport, the 32-year-old’s return to action could take longer than expected after a recurring hamstring problem forced him off against Burnley last Friday.
Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers hammered the newly-promoted Clarets 3-0 at Turf Moor to get their title defence off to a perfect start but paid a potentially costly price.
Less than half an hour into the game, the star midfielder limped off the pitch in pain, surrendering his place to summer signing Mateo Kovacic.
Although initial prognoses looked promising, the former Wolfsburg ace could face a lengthy spell in the treatment room if he was to go under the knife.
De Bruyne picked up a similar injury in last season’s Champions League final against Inter Milan, which sidelined him for the early stage of Man City’s pre-season.
While he refused to undergo surgery earlier in the summer, it could be the best solution, even though he wouldn’t be available for the rest of the calendar year.
The Belgium international has struggled with injuries in the past few years, so Man City’s potential decision to force him to surgical procedures could be in his best interest.
But it’s a huge undertaking, given De Bruyne’s significance on the field, and it’s no surprise the Etihad powerbrokers have reservations.
Guardiola has confirmed the fans’ fears.
“We have to decide his surgery,” he said, as quoted by Eurosport.
“[De Bruyne] will be a few months out. We will decide in the next few days. Surgery is surgery, three or four months out.”
De Bruyne has been the beating heart of Guardiola’s trophy-laden generation and one of the most prolific assist providers in the modern Premier League era.
After failing to replace Riyad Mahrez, the Cityzens cannot afford to lose another creative player for such a protracted period, especially considering a tight schedule awaiting them in the coming months.
Man City will be without their midfield metronome in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla as they look to add another piece of continental silverware to their ever-growing trophy cabinet.
